Reporters get 12-year terms in N. Korea

[Foxrac]

(CNN) -- Two U.S. journalists who were detained in North Korea while covering the plight of defectors living along the China-North Korea border have been sentenced to 12 years in labor camps, the country's state-run media said Monday.

The Central Court of North Korea sentenced Laura Ling and Euna Lee for the "grave crime they committed against the Korean nation and their illegal border crossing," the Korean Central News Agency said.

As a result, the court sentenced the women to "12 years of reform through labor," meaning they will serve out their sentence in a labor camp.

The U.S. State Department said it had seen the reports of the convictions and was trying to confirm it with Korean authorities.

"We are deeply concerned by the reported sentencing of the two American citizen journalists by North Korean authorities, and we are engaged through all possible channels to secure their release," said spokesman Ian Kelley in a statement. "We once again urge North Korea to grant the immediate release of the two American citizen journalists on humanitarian grounds."

Ling and Lee were taken into custody March 17. They are reporters for California-based Current TV, a media venture of former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

According to media reports, the trial began Thursday. Much of the time, the only news coming from the secretive and isolated communist nation is relayed through the state media.

The U.S. State Department was informed by the Swedish ambassador to North Korea that no observers were allowed in the courtroom

Sweden represents the United States in North Korea, because the two countries, which fought on opposite sides during the three-year Korean War in the 1950s, do not have diplomatic relations.

The State Department was notified the reporters had a defense attorney, but was not given the lawyer's name.

Several senior administration officials said the idea of sending either Gore or New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to Pyongyang on a mission to get the journalists released has been floated to the North Koreans.

No answer has come so far, but the expectation is that once the trial ended the North would accept a visit by either Gore or Richardson to secure their release.

Richardson served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary during the Clinton administration, and he has maintained contacts with North Korea. He took several trips there as ambassador, and he has worked for the release of people held by the North Koreans in the past.

North Korea charged the reporters with illegal entry into the country, "hostile acts" and spying.

The women's families broke months of silence last week, making public pleas for their release.

"When the girls left the United States, they never intended to cross into North Korean soil. And if they did at any point, we apologize," Ling's sister, Lisa, a special correspondent for CNN said Wednesday.

Contact with the women has been extremely limited.

The Swedish ambassador was allowed to see them three times.

Despite the limited communication, the families said they'd heard enough to know the women were "terrified" and "extremely scared."

Reporters get 12-year terms in N. Korea - CNN.com

 

[Foxrac]

What's wrong with NK? They are supposed to deport both of women instead of send them to harsher, unusual punishment.

Fuck to North Korea, I hopefully that their government will collapse in near future.

 

[PowerON]

Maybe it's spies, that Obama sent them to North Korea. How lovely.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

US 'concern' for jailed reporters

US President Barack Obama has said he is "deeply concerned" by North Korea's reported sentencing of two US journalists to 12 years' hard labour.

The US was working through all channels to secure their release, a spokesman for Mr Obama said.

The journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, were found guilty of "hostile acts" and illegal entry into North Korea, state media reported.

They were arrested in March after allegedly entering from China.

Their trial was held amid growing tensions over North Korea's nuclear programme and recent missile tests.

"We are engaged through all possible channels" to secure the journalists' release, White House spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement on Monday.

The trial began on Thursday, and on Monday North Korea's state media agency, KCNA, released a report saying the two had been convicted.

"The trial confirmed the grave crime they committed against the Korean nation and their illegal border crossing... and sentenced each of them to 12 years of reform through labour," the brief report said.

The news agency gave no further details.

Outside observers were not allowed to witness the hearing at Pyongyang's court.

The verdict means that the journalists face the prospect of spending years in one of the North's prison camps, where conditions are reported to be extremely harsh, the BBC's Chris Hogg in Seoul says.

Euna Lee, a Korean-American, and Laura Ling, a Chinese-American, were arrested by North Korean guards on 17 March while working on the China-North Korea border on a story about refugees for California-based internet broadcaster Current TV.

Some reports have suggested the women were held while on Chinese soil, but Pyongyang's state media say they had illegally entered North Korea.

The pair have been held in detention since their arrest.

Regional tensions

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier described the charges against the two women as "baseless". She is thought to be considering sending an envoy to try to negotiate their release.

There has been speculation that former US Vice-President Al Gore might travel to Pyongyang. He is the co-founder of Current TV.

Glimpse into secretive state

There are fears Ms Lee and Ms Ling will now be used as "bargaining chips" by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in his efforts to win concessions from Washington, our Seoul correspondent says. These concessions could include humanitarian aid or direct talks with Washington, analysts say.

The US has so far said negotiations can only be held under the currently-stalled six-party talks on nuclear disarmament, which also includes South Korea, China, Japan and Russia.

The women's families have appealed for clemency and asked Pyongyang and Washington not to link their case with the current diplomatic stand-off.

Tensions have increased in the region since North Korea conducted a nuclear test in May and then test-fired several missiles. Another long-range missile test is believed to be planned for later this month.

The UN Security Council is discussing tightening sanctions against Pyongyang, and Mrs Clinton said on Sunday that the US was considering reinstating North Korea in its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | US 'concern' for jailed reporters

Oh my dear - another journalist since Roxanna Saberi´s situation.

It reminds me of Iranian-American journalist Roxanna Saberi was being sentenced to 8 years in prison of spying for the US in Iran. Lucky, she was freed last month.

We all suspect that its something do with policital games...

 

[Jiro]

oh well. sometimes people lack common sense.... by recklessly putting themselves in dangerous situation at hostile countries. I think these 2 reporters should get a taste of it.

 

[Foxrac]

US 'concern' for jailed reporters

US President Barack Obama has said he is "deeply concerned" by North Korea's reported sentencing of two US journalists to 12 years' hard labour.

The US was working through all channels to secure their release, a spokesman for Mr Obama said.

The journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, were found guilty of "hostile acts" and illegal entry into North Korea, state media reported.

They were arrested in March after allegedly entering from China.

Their trial was held amid growing tensions over North Korea's nuclear programme and recent missile tests.

"We are engaged through all possible channels" to secure the journalists' release, White House spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement on Monday.

The trial began on Thursday, and on Monday North Korea's state media agency, KCNA, released a report saying the two had been convicted.

"The trial confirmed the grave crime they committed against the Korean nation and their illegal border crossing... and sentenced each of them to 12 years of reform through labour," the brief report said.

The news agency gave no further details.

Outside observers were not allowed to witness the hearing at Pyongyang's court.

The verdict means that the journalists face the prospect of spending years in one of the North's prison camps, where conditions are reported to be extremely harsh, the BBC's Chris Hogg in Seoul says.

Euna Lee, a Korean-American, and Laura Ling, a Chinese-American, were arrested by North Korean guards on 17 March while working on the China-North Korea border on a story about refugees for California-based internet broadcaster Current TV.

Some reports have suggested the women were held while on Chinese soil, but Pyongyang's state media say they had illegally entered North Korea.

The pair have been held in detention since their arrest.

Regional tensions

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier described the charges against the two women as "baseless". She is thought to be considering sending an envoy to try to negotiate their release.

There has been speculation that former US Vice-President Al Gore might travel to Pyongyang. He is the co-founder of Current TV.

Glimpse into secretive state

There are fears Ms Lee and Ms Ling will now be used as "bargaining chips" by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in his efforts to win concessions from Washington, our Seoul correspondent says. These concessions could include humanitarian aid or direct talks with Washington, analysts say.

The US has so far said negotiations can only be held under the currently-stalled six-party talks on nuclear disarmament, which also includes South Korea, China, Japan and Russia.

The women's families have appealed for clemency and asked Pyongyang and Washington not to link their case with the current diplomatic stand-off.

Tensions have increased in the region since North Korea conducted a nuclear test in May and then test-fired several missiles. Another long-range missile test is believed to be planned for later this month.

The UN Security Council is discussing tightening sanctions against Pyongyang, and Mrs Clinton said on Sunday that the US was considering reinstating North Korea in its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | US 'concern' for jailed reporters

Oh my dear - another journalist since Roxanna Saberi´s situation.

It reminds me of Iranian-American journalist Roxanna Saberi was being sentenced to 8 years in prison of spying for the US in Iran. Lucky, she was freed last month.

We all suspect that its something do with policital games...

NK is more tougher than Iran.

 

[sara1981]

dumbass North Korea and China!

 

[Dixie]

Thing of it is that the border between China and N. Korea is not well marked on the ground and they may have been in an area where GPS was not functioning and crossed over without realizing it. However I do know that NK's borders are usually lined with land mines, barbwire and so forth for up to two miles to keep N. Koreans in and foreigners out.

But Jiro - these two reporters were sent on an assignment. they were doing their jobs. reporters put themselves at risk everyday to bring you the news.

Have you seen a reporter standing in a hurricane to give you the conditions on the ground?

Have you seen a reporter in a dangerous neighborhood get mugged?

They know they are in dangerous situations and they are aware of it. But these two reporters, Lee and Ling, were probably in unmarked territory and had not realized they had crossed into North Korean territory. But I am willing to bet that these two when they get out, if they get out at this point in time - will likely never return to the region once they are freed. Lisa Ling - Lauran Ling's sister has been in North Korea before and reported on it and how North Koreans live. It was a special for National Geographic.

 

[Jiro]

Thing of it is that the border between China and N. Korea is not well marked on the ground and they may have been in an area where GPS was not functioning and crossed over without realizing it. However I do know that NK's borders are usually lined with land mines, barbwire and so forth for up to two miles to keep N. Koreans in and foreigners out.

But Jiro - these two reporters were sent on an assignment. they were doing their jobs. reporters put themselves at risk everyday to bring you the news.

Have you seen a reporter standing in a hurricane to give you the conditions on the ground?

Have you seen a reporter in a dangerous neighborhood get mugged?

They know they are in dangerous situations and they are aware of it. But these two reporters, Lee and Ling, were probably in unmarked territory and had not realized they had crossed into North Korean territory. But I am willing to bet that these two when they get out, if they get out at this point in time - will likely never return to the region once they are freed. Lisa Ling - Lauran Ling's sister has been in North Korea before and reported on it and how North Koreans live. It was a special for National Geographic.

yes it's the risk they voluntarily took. they know fully aware what would happen if they get caught. now they gotta pay for it. I understand that reporters/journalists risk their lives to deliver news for us but when they die, nothing happens. Now they got caught... and now look at what happens - an international crisis and a major headache.

It put us in a very difficult position as NK has the bargaining power. It can destroy our years-long effort to even to get NK to table to..... say - talk about nuclear negotiation.

Either way - I pray for their safe, speedy return to America.

 

[Dixie]

I am thinking that Korea may release them if they are put under enough international pressure to do so. Of course it can easily backfire. Kim Jong Il can do whatever he pleases with these two right now.

I read last night that 25% of those who are sentenced to Reform through Hard Labor usually die from disease and malnutrition before they are able to serve their sentences out.

The rations they receive is corn mush, cabbage, salt and a little bit of water, the amount they receive is meager even for famine stricken Koreans. They will labor for 15 hours a day on a piece of cabbage most likely.

Right now at this point these two will have to do all they can to survive. Although when (IF) they do get out - I suspect that they will be in very ill health from abuse torture and malnutrition.

 

[Foxrac]

US government need adopt the full embargo against NK and banned US citizens to visit until 2 reporters release.

Same with citizens from South Korea shouldn't visit here.

 

[Steel X]

Pretty stupid.

I hope those women get out alive someday.

I remember seeing a movie starring claire danes and maggie from The Dark Knight in that one film where they are caught in islands of Korea or someting and are sentenced to prison for 5 yrs or longer over a crime they did NOT commit.

It is pretty much like that...prisons in North Korea is worse than prisons in America, obviously.

 

[Dixie]

US government need adopt the full embargo against NK and banned US citizens to visit until 2 reporters release.

Same with citizens from South Korea shouldn't visit here.

Won't work.

Why punish South Korea for something North Korea did?

Just flat out withdraw all aid to North Korea and ban all trade with North Korea until the 2 are released. When Kim Jung Il starts coming up short on his stupid daffy duck collection then we should be able to say - if you want more aid and more trade with us, then hand over the two reporters and ALL Americans held captive in your country. No and ifs or buts. It's very risky - but if Kim Jong refuses the offer then his citizens die, his country collapses.

But I wish the UN and NATO and whoever else with a little bit of sympathy would just rush in there with their armies and liberate North Korea. Even China doesn't like North Korea - and that's saying something about the brutality of the country and even by American standards we find China to be brutal - and China is calling North Korea brutal.

There would be no way North Korea would be able to stand a chance against the stronger armies such as the US, China, Russia, Britain, France, etc.

 

[Jiro]

NK is already under FULL embargo. Because of that - their people are starving and dying. That's why they're eating grass and tree bark (literally). We're already sending them food especially SK. NK's hoarding them all as usual. China and Russia support NK by supplying them with anything NK needs... just like Korean War. They will not support NATO's military action against NK as well.

If it comes to actual war - NK does not need to win against Americans and South Koreans because they already lost. But South Korea will suffer the most. All they have to do is throw nukes right into Seoul and game's over. Nuking Seoul is equivalent to nuking NYC and D.C. together because Seoul is home to all major and vital government functions, economy, and over 10 million people. It's a lose-lose situation for all.

 

[Foxrac]

NK is already under FULL embargo. Because of that - their people are starving and dying. That's why they're eating grass and tree bark (literally). We're already sending them food especially SK. NK's hoarding them all as usual. China and Russia support NK by supplying them with anything NK needs... just like Korean War. They will not support NATO's military action against NK as well.

If it comes to actual war - NK does not need to win against Americans and South Koreans because they already lost. But South Korea will suffer the most. All they have to do is throw nukes right into Seoul and game's over. Nuking Seoul is equivalent to nuking NYC and D.C. together because Seoul is home to all major and vital government functions, economy, and over 10 million people. It's a lose-lose situation for all.

No, China is only one is NK's closet ally since Russia isn't closet ally with NK anymore after 1991, even Russia is just supplying non-force or non-war items, such as food, meds and personal care.

For nuke, it's depends on radius of nuclear, it could be much smaller instead destroy entire of Seoul, I doubt NK would able to defeat SK because SK has many allies. The declare of war is necessary if NK declare war against SK or Japan, neither of China or Russia will support them but rather to back off, it's depends on how is government in NK.

 

[Jiro]

No, China is only one is NK's closet ally since Russia isn't closet ally with NK anymore after 1991, even Russia is just supplying non-force or non-war items, such as food, meds and personal care.

oh trust me - Russia's still NK's friend. Kim Il Jong visits Russia regularly via his fancy private train. They still supply military equipments and weapons (secretly). Russia's that fucked up like that.

For nuke, it's depends on radius of nuclear, it could be much smaller instead destroy entire of Seoul, I doubt NK would able to defeat SK because SK has many allies. The declare of war is necessary if NK declare war against SK or Japan, neither of China or Russia will support them but rather to back off, it's depends on how is government in NK.

It doesn't matter how many allies SK has. NK knows they will lose but they don't care. It takes just 1 or 2 nukes to hit Seoul and Seoul's very close to border. Once SK gets hit by nuke, it's over. It will be economically and politically devastating. You cannot live in Seoul for many many many years.

 

[Liebling:-)))]

oh well. sometimes people lack common sense.... by recklessly putting themselves in dangerous situation at hostile countries. I think these 2 reporters should get a taste of it.

Many journalists risk their life when they were being sent to any unsafe country.

 

[Foxrac]

oh trust me - Russia's still NK's friend. Kim Il Jong visits Russia regularly via his fancy private train. They still supply military equipments and weapons (secretly). Russia's that fucked up like that.


It doesn't matter how many allies SK has. NK knows they will lose but they don't care. It takes just 1 or 2 nukes to hit Seoul and Seoul's very close to border. Once SK gets hit by nuke, it's over. It will be economically and politically devastating. You cannot live in Seoul for many many many years.

I wouldn't still believe your comment about Russia since my friend that know alot about Russia and he said Russian government don't have alot of connection with NK after 1991.

There's no spec or report about how is radius of nuclear weapon that NK has, also we do have technology to catch the nuclear weapon before hit on land.

 

[Jiro]

I wouldn't still believe your comment about Russia since my friend that know alot about Russia and he said Russian government don't have alot of connection with NK after 1991.

2 words - Plausible Deniability

There's no spec or report about how is radius of nuclear weapon that NK has, also we do have technology to catch the nuclear weapon before hit on land.

yes we can track missiles flying out but we cannot stop it. PATRIOT System? not effective enough. NK has thousands of missiles. They can simply send nukes along with dozens of missiles.

Radius isn't an issue. It takes 1 single nuke to destabilize SK. Seoul is RIGHT next to border. It's a very short distance for any missiles. NK has many many variety of missiles - from KN-02 class to Taepong-2 class. All of them can hit Seoul no problem. we already know the spec and radius of it because NK has already fired them for tests over sea dozens of time.

 

[Foxrac]

2 words - Plausible Deniability


yes we can track missiles flying out but we cannot stop it. PATRIOT System? not effective enough. NK has thousands of missiles. They can simply send nukes along with dozens of missiles.

Radius isn't an issue. It takes 1 single nuke to destabilize SK. Seoul is RIGHT next to border. It's a very short distance for any missiles. NK has many many variety of missiles - from KN-02 class to Taepong-2 class. All of them can hit Seoul no problem. we already know the spec and radius of it because NK has already fired them for tests over sea dozens of time.

Fine, you can believe whatever you want about Russia.

SK is already take care and made planning when NK declare threat against SK.
South Korea Eyes Independent Missile Defense System

None of NK's missile is bigger as Tsar Bomba, I means refer radius as measure in KT or MT, NK's missile could be much as 300 KT or less, you can test with Seoul and just find missile that's less than 300 KT, also you maybe never know about NK's missile could be fail in some cases.
Ground Zero | Carloslabs

How you feel if Seoul become destruction city with everything is destroyed?

We would like to aim the nuclear missile at Pyongyang and many cities in NK if NK has done to hurt SK so far.